Finding powder charges

[ShawnAgne]

What is the best way to find the optimum powder charge for a musket. I have 2 58's and a 69. In the 58's I'm shooting the Lyman 530gr. Minnie and in the 69 I'm shooting the 730gr Minnie. I have been using 60gr FFg in the 58's, but in the 69 I did not know where to start as I have only seen data for 69's shooting round balls. Thanks in advance.

[tjlegault]

I can't say as to the .69 since I don't own one, but in the .58's I shoot 40 grns of GOEX 3f in my 55 rifle. I know people that shoot 30 and 35 grns successfully. I would start with less than 60 grns for sure (since I am not into self abuse these days). I don't shoot 2f, but I would start around 40 and go up in 5 grn increments.

You may have to try different molds too. Size and lube the bullet as well. Your bullet should be .001 to .002 under the bore dia.
Hope this is helpful
Good luck!

[ian45662]

Shawn are you a member of a team? If not I could get you signed up with a team in your area and you could be a part of the best shooting sport on earth

[matt]

When I shot a 42 rifled musket I was using the 500 grain rapine using 60 grains of 2f in a whitacre barrel. So 55-60 grains would be where I would start. That 730 grain slug is a bruiser.
Mack